Not only does Ennis return, but he’s going to play center. The kid played center during his time in Portland and Ruff thinks it’s something that could work, “I think we need a little bit of creativity there in the middle and I think his speed and creativity should give us some of that. I think he’s always had a pretty good link with Stafford. We started the season with those guys together and obviously it wasn’t a great start for those two individuals, but Tyler was in on a great number of Staff’s goals last year and I think if he can free him up for that extra one or two times during the game, it should help us generate a few more goals.” Ennis said, “I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have the puck a little more, skating the puck out and taking charge a little bit. I’ve played center in the minors and in junior and a little bit up here so I’m excited to switch it up a little bit.”

I've been wondering about this myself and I think I mentioned it somewhere one time. My main question is why can't he be used like Leino and Briere were last year in Philly. Just swap Roy and Ennis to make the line

Roy-Ennis-Staff

Let Roy take the faceoffs and play the Center role on defense. When in transition to offense have Ennis take the center responsibilities and positioning there. It could allow Ennis to work with more room and create more as apposed to be stuck along the wing and constantly being pinned into the boards when he breaks into the zone. If Staff used his body it could open up even further room. It would also allow Roy to do what he does best, shoot. Ennis' playmaking ability and passing will hopefully benefit Stafford as well. I mean look at the position this team is in, it couldn't hurt to at least try this.

All that said, I don't expect it to last long. Sucking could be a double edge sword here. This being the first time and the team playing at the level they are, it may not yield instant results like some are hoping, then we see the inevitable. Lindy shuffles the lines too quickly and never gives them a long enough chance to really gauge what we could have. ex. Leino with Vanek and Pommers.

Agreed. This would be the biggest development of the season. Don't hold your breath, though. I'm a little worried about his defensive responsibilities.

It's not difficult if you discipline yourself and comprehend where you're supposed to be and when you're supposed to be there. Wingers' failure to adjust to being in the middle always took me by surprise...shows a lack of a mental aspect of the game. An important one.

Sounds like the top-6 is going to be 26-9-29 and 42-63-21 ("The Multiples of 21 Line?" Has a nice ring to it, no?). I assume we'll get an Island of Misfit Toys Line (23-72-22) in which they'll rotate who plays center on each shift, and a 4th line of 37-28-8.

Sounds like the top-6 is going to be 26-9-29 and 42-63-21 ("The Multiples of 21 Line?" Has a nice ring to it, no?). I assume we'll get an Island of Misfit Toys Line (23-72-22) in which they'll rotate who plays center on each shift, and a 4th line of 37-28-8.

Ennis himself has talked about spending a majority of his time on wing in junior and even later. On The Prospect Show, he's twice talked about playing center as "an experiement" but one he's willing to try.

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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle

Ennis himself has talked about spending a majority of his time on wing in junior and even later. On The Prospect Show, he's twice talked about playing center as "an experiement" but one he's willing to try.

It's not like Boyes and Leino have set the bar really high for experimental centers.

Well, it's not like our offense has been doing anything anyway. Might as well give it a shot. I do like having ennis' speed back for sure, even if this center experiment doesn't work out. Or last for more than 1-2 shifts.

Ennis and Gerbe looked pretty good together. They even managed to make Stafford look like he didn't totally suck. (He looked really tough hiding behind Gerbe in brawl in front of the Habs net!) I know it's just been one game, but there just might be something here. If Ennis at center works out and he forms a dynamic duo with Gerbe, that opens up some interesting possibilities.

But then again; Lindy will probably scramble the lines anyway.

Btw; didn't all our problems start with Ennis cutting his hair? And right after that, he got hurt, and then everyone else got hurt. Maybe it's a Samson thing.